‘Rent masters’ probed

SOUTHERN Downs Regional Council has revealed a seven-point plan to stamp out dodgy backpacker hostels and target unlawful accommodation operators.
The report was passed in to councilors during council’s general meeting on Wednesday, 24 April.
It revealed that Queensland Fire and Rescue Service, who have partnered with council to investigate dodgy properties, have now inspected 60 Southern Downs properties with $75,000 in fines issued and one conviction.
The report said that in some instances properties were being rented by one person known as the “rent master”.
The rent master subsequently sub-lets to numerous individuals, typically charging each person about $100 per week, with some properties housing 26 or more persons – “this is a very lucrative business”.
In a further shock, the report revealed evidence of a local real estate agent owning property and renting it out to backpackers.
“There has been one conviction so far with the rent master receiving fines for other properties within the Stanthorpe area, with further court action pending,” the report said.
Meanwhile, several real estate agents said they were being hampered by timeframes set down by their governing body; and have to provide seven days notice prior to an inspection, thus allowing ample time for mattresses to be removed and hidden.
Mayor Peter Blundell told ABC Radio that an inspection with the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service found one premise had eight beds in a single car garage with only roller door access.
Many local farms use backpackers to help pick fruit and vegetable crops.
Cr Blundell says the plan will give the CEO the power to take legal action against landlords who do not provide a safe place for people to stay.
“We’re ensuring, by moving this recommendation, that the accommodation that is provided for them while they’re staying with us is appropriate, it’s safe,” he said.
Cr Blundell said he feared if the practice of overcrowding continued, it could lead to disaster.
“It also leads to long-term effects far greater than just within that immediate community and, in fact, it’s global,” he said.
“When you develop a reputation for not being appropriate in dealing with people that come to visit you, particularly when they’re young, particularly if they come from overseas, that reputation is very hard to overcome.”